I sat down with leaders in Seattle from Chase for Business for this quick podcast for Inc. Magazine. Listen to the episode, here.

Venture capital has traditionally been a funding source for startups. However, it isn’t always the optimal path to success. And in light of today’s economic uncertainty—from policy changes to market volatility—more startups are finding that accessing VC funds is increasingly challenging. 

Limited access to venture capital poses a barrier for women entrepreneurs, who received just 1 percent of VC funding in 2024. In Seattle, where women make up nearly half (44 percent) of the city’s self-employed business owners, many founders have built successful businesses through self-funding, partnering with experienced mentors and bankers, and building community with fellow founders.

In this bonus episode of From the Ground Up in partnership with Chase for Business, Ben Walter, CEO of Chase for Business, and Shelia Winston, a Seattle-based senior business consultant at Chase, explain how self-funding can be a powerful alternative for growth that can also put founders in a stronger position to weather uncertainty.

Listen as Walter and Winston share insights on the evolving economic climate and how women founders can avoid the VC bubble and find long-term success.